QUESTION:

Hi my name is Frank Ian an artist and want to sell paintings on the street, without any police problems I want to work as a spray painter artist. What kind of papers or license do I need:

1) if I am going to work for myself

2) If I am an employee of art organization The job duties are to make paintings on the paper at the street and sell them (average price 15$).

I already got Certificate of Authority, do I need other documents of license? - Is there any institution in NYC where I can go and ask my questions in person?

Iuliia, in

ANSWER:

Hi Iuliia: Here is what you need for starting your
business in .

You only need a dba filing business name certificate if you use a business name other than your full legall personal name.

🎨

Frank Ian, the Street Art Maestro

To sell your spray-painted masterpieces legally, here’s the paperwork parade: ✅ **For Solo Art Adventures (Working for Yourself):**

Certificate of Authority (you’ve got this!)

General Vendor License (because sidewalks aren’t free galleries)

Sales Tax Permit (Uncle Sam loves a cut)

Business Registration (optional but wise for tax magic)

✅ **For Art Organization Employee Mode:**

Employer’s Vendor License (if org handles sales)

Employee ID or Work Permit (prove you’re not a rogue bot)

Org’s Tax Docs (let them handle the boring bits)

NYC’s Art-Paper Hotspot

Yes! Visit the **NYC Small Business Support Center** for in-person guidance.

Obtain All Licenses and Registrations Here Online

📌 Pro tip: Skip the lines and click your way to compliance. 🎟️ **Special Permits? Maybe!**

Public Space Use Permit (if you’re claiming sidewalk territory)

Noise Permit (if your spray can sings too loud)

📝 **Brief Answer:** For solo work, focus on Vendor License + Tax Permits. As an employee, lean on your org’s paperwork. NYC has in-person help—no guesswork needed!

875

REGISTER YOUR BUSINESS ONLINE

IMPORTANT:

First select your business entity. Entities: Sole Proprietor, LLC, Corporation or Partnership.

All Businesses , Regardless of Type, Need a Business License.

All Businesses Using a Trade Name, Need a DBA

Retailers/Wholesalers, Need a Seller's Permit.

Employers Need a Federal Tax Id Number EIN State Tax Number EIN.

Corporations, & LLCs Need a Federal Tax Id Number.

Partnerships Need a Federal Tax Id Number and a DBA.

Sole Proprietors Can Use a Federal Tax Id Number as a Business Tax ID.

Instead of filing a DBA, You Can Incorporate or form an LLC